India-Mongolia joint military exercise Nomadic Elephant commences in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 3, 2024

The 16th edition of the India-Mongolia Joint Military Exercise “Nomadic Elephant” began at the Foreign Training Node, Umroi in Meghalaya on Wednesday.

The exercise is scheduled to conclude on July 16. The Indian contingent consists of 45 personnel, represented by a battalion of Sikkim Scouts, along with personnel from various other arms and services.

The Mongolian contingent participating in Exercise Nomadic Elephant is represented by personnel from the 150 Quick Reaction Force Battalion of the Mongolian Army. This annual training event alternates between India and Mongolia, with the last edition held in Mongolia in July 2023.

The opening ceremony of Exercise Nomadic Elephant was attended by Dambajavyn Ganbold, Ambassador of Mongolia to India, and Major General Prasanna Joshi, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 51 Sub Area of the Indian Army.

The primary aim of Exercise Nomadic Elephant is to enhance the joint military capabilities of both India and Mongolia to conduct counter-insurgency operations in a Sub Conventional scenario, as mandated under Chapter VII of the United Nations. The exercise will specifically focus on operations in semi-urban and mountainous terrain, simulating real-world scenarios to improve interoperability and tactical skills between the two militaries.

The exercise will focus on operations in the semi-urban and mountainous terrain.

Tactical drills during the exercise include response to a terrorist action, establishment of a joint command post, establishment of an intelligence & surveillance centre, securing of a helipad/ landing site, small team insertion & extraction, special heliborne operations, cordon & search operations besides employment of drones and counter drone systems amongst others.

These activities are designed to simulate real-world situations and improve interoperability, strategic coordination, and operational effectiveness between the two armed forces.

Major General Gyanbyamba Sunrev, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Mongolia, is scheduled to attend the closing ceremony of Exercise Nomadic Elephant on July 16. He will be joined by Lieutenant General Zubin A Minwalla, General Officer Commanding 33 Corps of the Indian Army.

Exercise Nomadic Elephant aims to facilitate the sharing of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations between India and Mongolia. The exercise also focuses on developing interoperability, fostering bonhomie, and building camaraderie between the two armies. This mutual cooperation is expected to enhance the level of defense cooperation and further strengthen bilateral relations between India and Mongolia, both of which are friendly nations.